Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that starts on December 26 and ends on January 1.
If you asked 10 different Kwanzaa observers how they celebrate, you would get 10 different answers.
It’s a holiday designed to meet its participants wherever they are on the Black cultural spectrum.
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The word Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits.”
Here, we’ll explore the origins, traditions and delicious ways Kwanzaa is celebrated across the world today.
As a centerpiece, a kind of altar can be set on a woven mat, called amkeka.
Jerrelle Guy
There are always seven candlesone black, three red and three green.
It’s also a time for communal cooking and bountiful tables.
This allows for the cultural creativity and self-expression Kwanzaa fosters.
Jerrelle Guy
Daily gift-giving is another wonderful part of the celebration.
Kwanzaa is a homemade, hand-crafted, anti-capitalistic holiday, so keep that in mind.
This becomes another opportunity to use the kitchen as inspiration.
Jerrelle Guy
Wonderful options for gifting ideas could be things like infused oils, hand-blended teas or baked goods.
Joy Howard
